CVE-2018-3847 in CFITSIO
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple exploitable buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in image parsing functionality of the CFITSIO library version 3.42. Specially crafted images parsed via the library, can cause a stack-based buffer overflow overwriting arbitrary data. An attacker can deliver an FIT image to trigger this vulnerability and potentially gain code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2023
The CVE-2018-3847 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the CFITSIO library version 3.42 that specifically affects image parsing functionality. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The CFITSIO library serves as a widely-used software package for reading and writing data files in the Flexible Image Transport System format, which is prevalent in astronomical data processing and scientific computing environments. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes specially crafted FITS images that contain malformed data structures within their headers or image data sections, leading to unpredictable memory corruption patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through careful manipulation of FITS file structures that trigger the buffer overflow during parsing operations. When the library attempts to parse these malicious images, the insufficient input validation causes data to be written beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including stack canaries, return addresses, or other critical program state information. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to redirect program execution flow, effectively enabling remote code execution capabilities. The attack vector requires the target system to process the malicious FITS image through the vulnerable CFITSIO library, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated image processing or file ingestion occurs without proper validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3847 extends across multiple domains including astronomical research institutions, space agencies, scientific computing centers, and any organization relying on FITS file processing workflows. The vulnerability affects systems where CFITSIO is integrated into larger applications such as astronomical data analysis pipelines, image processing software, or scientific data management systems. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering malicious FITS images through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or file transfer protocols, making it particularly dangerous in automated processing environments where files are automatically parsed without human intervention. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain full control over affected systems, leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or denial of service conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3847 should focus on immediate patching of the CFITSIO library to version 3.43 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement strict input validation procedures for all FITS files processed through their systems, including file format verification, size limits, and header structure validation. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems that process FITS files, particularly in environments where automated ingestion occurs. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting, using sandboxing techniques, and conducting regular security assessments of scientific computing environments can help reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.